What Is a Generator and How Does It Work?

Posted by
on
September 08, 2016

Most of us have a general idea of what a generator is and
its purpose. However, have you ever wondered about the specific details of its
purpose and operation? Here are some basics of the common generator, be it a
backup residential model, or a portable model.

What It Is and What
It Does

Simply put, a generator generates electricity—it does not
create it. These machines are complex systems of parts that work together to
convert on form of energy in to electrical power, or pull it from another
source and redistribute it, so that it can be used by you. There is a wide
variety of sizes and models from which to choose, and all generate different
levels of electrical power, utilizing varying fuels. Below are merely a few of
the options:

Portable Generators: These units are popular for their size
and versatility. They tend to be smaller, easily carried and moved, and
can provide enough power for a home, for recreation, or for work sites.
They are also generally very quiet, and run on various forms of gas,
depending upon your preferences. Some can be mounted directly to vehicles.

Standby and Residential Generators: These stationary models
are significantly larger and perfect for powering a home or office during
an outage. They are meant to provide more substantial power, and are wired
directly into the home via a transfer switch that tells the generator when
to start (automatically or manually).

PTO Generators: These generators are meant primarily for
farms; they can be used with tractors for portable power in agricultural
areas.

How It Works

Generators convert mechanical energy into electrical energy,
and then distribute that electrical energy so that it can be used.
Specifically, the mechanical energy inside the generator works as an electrical
conductor, causing movement, or flow, of electric charges in the unit’s wiring.
This is how the electric current is generated. The charges then move through as
an output electrical current, directly to where you have the generator plugged
in and need power.

If you need back-up power, call us at 847-516-8882. We’ll tell you what you want
to know at AP Electric and Generators, and we’ll help you determine the best
generator for your needs.